The Croydon Planning Sub-Committee met on Thursday 2 July 2026 to discuss several planning applications. Key decisions included the granting of planning permission for a new residential flat at Boulevard Point, 15 Scarbrook Road, and the approval of a change of use for a storage area at 319 Whitehorse Road to create a studio flat. The committee also considered a pre-application for the redevelopment of 89 Wodden Way, providing feedback to the developers.

Redevelopment of 89 Wodden Way, Wodden

The committee received a pre-application presentation for the proposed redevelopment of 89 Wodden Way, a site currently allocated for residential development. The developers, Belway, presented a revised scheme for 138 homes, which included an increase in affordable housing to 22.5% (all social rented), retention of protected trees, and a reduction in building heights to a maximum of four storeys.

During the discussion, councillors raised several points for feedback:

• Land Use: There was strong agreement across the committee for the inclusion of a commercial or community space within the development, reflecting the aspirations of the Emerging Local Plan. Some councillors suggested this could be a neighbourhood centre, with mixed views expressed on whether this should come at the expense of affordable housing.
• Design and Layout: While the reduction in height from previous applications was welcomed, concerns were raised about the potential monotony of four blocks of the same height and the impact of the four-storey buildings on the adjacent playing fields. There was a desire for greater architectural variation and a stronger emphasis on Art Deco elements. Discussions also focused on balconies, with concerns raised about privacy and the use of railings.
• Landscaping and Public Realm: Encouragement was given for a robust landscaping scheme, with a request for mature planting to have an immediate impact. The long-term maintenance of landscaping and the need for on-site management or caretakers were also discussed. Crime prevention measures, such as adequate lighting and avoiding dark corners, were highlighted.
• Diving Platform: The accessibility and visibility of the Grade 2 listed diving platform from Wadden Way were welcomed. Safety concerns regarding public access and potential climbing were raised, linking back to the need for on-site management. The possibility of the platform being visible from any commercial or community space was also mentioned.
• Housing Mix: Concerns were expressed about the percentage of one-bedroom flats, with a strong preference for an increase in three-bedroom or larger homes. The 22.5% affordable housing provision was welcomed, with encouragement for further affordable housing. The tenure of the non-affordable housing (private sale) was clarified by the developer.
• Parking: Significant concerns were raised regarding the proposed 54 parking spaces for 138 homes, given the existing parking congestion in the Wadden estate. This was balanced against the need for landscaping, with councillors urging the developer to consider how these matters could be managed and mitigated.

The committee provided detailed feedback to the developers, which will inform the future planning application.

Boulevard Point, 15 Scarbrook Road

The committee granted planning permission for the formation of a mezzanine level and the provision of a new one-bedroom residential flat at Boulevard Point, 15 Scarbrook Road. The proposal also included new windows and a balcony at the rear of the building. The decision was made subject to the completion of a Section 106 legal agreement to secure a financial contribution, restrictions on parking permits, and car club membership. Conditions were imposed regarding the commencement of works, approved drawings, construction logistics, external materials, sound insulation, cycle and refuse storage, external plant, water efficiency, and fire safety.

Concerns raised during the discussion included the potential impact on neighbouring amenity, the quality of residential accommodation, and the design of the balconies. Officers addressed these points, noting that the proposal made effective use of redundant space, would not harm the character of the area, and would provide an acceptable living environment. The design of the perforated metal balconies was discussed, with a condition requiring the submission of full details to officers for approval.

319 Whitehorse Road, Croydon CR0 2HR

Planning permission was granted for a change of use from a rear storage area ancillary to a hot food takeaway to a self-contained studio flat at 319 Whitehorse Road. This application was brought to the committee due to the applicant being a serving councillor. The change of use fell under the General Permitted Development Order, meaning it was automatically approved if specific criteria were met.

Officers confirmed that the proposal met all the necessary criteria, including the building's previous use as a takeaway, the floor space limitations, and the absence of designated area restrictions. The impacts on transport and highways were deemed acceptable due to the site's moderate public transport accessibility (PTAL 3) and the provision of cycle storage, with a Section 106 agreement to restrict parking permits. Contamination and flooding risks were assessed as acceptable, with mitigation measures in place. The design and external appearance were considered not to harm the character of the area, and the proposed flat was found to provide adequate natural light and meet nationally described space standards.

Concerns were raised by Councillor Johnson regarding the appearance of the perforated balconies, but officers confirmed that details would be subject to approval. The committee unanimously resolved to grant planning permission, subject to conditions and the completion of a legal agreement.

Land adjoining 54 Beulah Hill

The committee considered the reserved matters application for land adjoining 54 Beulah Hill, relating to access, appearance, landscaping, and layout for five detached homes. This followed an earlier outline planning permission.

Key points of discussion included:

• Access and Safety: Concerns were raised about junction safety at Harrell Road and Beulah Hill, particularly regarding the number of school children using nearby bus stops. Officers confirmed that transport plans and visibility displays satisfied their requirements, and that highway safety aspects were considered acceptable with proposed yellow line extensions. The issue of fire safety was also discussed, with officers clarifying that new fire engines have longer hoses and that the proposal complied with London Plan Policy D12.
• Appearance: The use of zinc cladding was debated, with some councillors expressing a dislike for it, while others found the overall design acceptable. The brickwork colour was also discussed, with a preference for lighter or two-tone options.
• Landscaping: The landscaping proposals, including a net increase in trees and the inclusion of biodiversity features like hedgehog highways, were generally welcomed. Concerns were raised about ensuring the maturity of planted trees and the long-term maintenance of green spaces. The heritage of the site, linked to Pickles the dog, was also mentioned, with a suggestion for a potential street name.
• Layout: The spacing between buildings and the provision of green space were considered positive. The location of parking at one end of the site was questioned.

The committee voted to grant planning permission for the development, with one abstention.

Other Planning Matters

The committee received a report on weekly planning decisions, which included decisions made by committee and under delegated powers since the last meeting. This was noted for information.

The meeting concluded with the Chair thanking attendees and confirming that a webcast of the meeting would be available on the council's website.